Democrats move to cut off debate on Hagel

Thursday

Feb 14, 2013 at 12:01 AMFeb 14, 2013 at 11:10 AM

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democrats filed a motion yesterday to end debate on the nomination of Chuck Hagel as President Barack Obama's new secretary of defense after Republicans refused to allow a vote, setting up a showdown vote by Friday.

WASHINGTON ó U.S. Senate Democrats filed a motion yesterday to end debate on the nomination of Chuck Hagel as President Barack Obamaís new secretary of defense after Republicans refused to allow a vote, setting up a showdown vote by Friday.

Democrats are expected to muster the 60 votes needed in the 100-member chamber to clear a Republican procedural roadblock, opening the way for a vote on his confirmation.

Once the roadblock is cleared, Hagel is expected to win the simple majority he needs to be confirmed. Democrats control 55 seats in the Senate and none has come out against Hagel, a former Republican senator from Nebraska who has faced fierce opposition from members of his own party.

At least two of the 45 Republicans in the chamber have said they would vote for Hagelís confirmation, and several others, including Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, have said they would not support a procedural tactic to block or delay a vote even though they oppose Hagelís confirmation.

Hagel broke from his party by opposing former President George W. Bushís handling of the Iraq War, angering his former colleagues. Some Republicans also have raised questions about whether Hagel, 66, is sufficiently supportive of Israel, tough enough on Iran or capable of leading the Pentagon.

Hagelís showing at his confirmation hearing before the Armed Services Committee drew harsh criticism. Even some Democrats said he appeared unprepared and at times hesitant in the face of aggressive questioning.

The committee voted 14-11 along party lines on Tuesday to advance Hagelís nomination.